Lijiang Yunnan, China Travel Guide
Essential for messaging, calls, mobile payments, and daily services. Most vendors accept WeChat Pay.
Another widely accepted mobile payment app. Set this up before arrival.
China's ride-sharing app, offering convenience and fair pricing.
The leading navigation app in China for public transport and walking. Largely in Chinese.
An excellent offline Chinese dictionary app. Supports translation and character recognition.
A major online travel agency for booking flights, hotels, and tours within China. English interface available.
A reliable VPN (e.g., NordVPN) access to many Western websites and apps. Download and install before arrival.
Search for travel blogs specializing in China or Yunnan for Lijiang-specific travel guides.
Utilize sites like Trip.com, Booking.com, or Agoda for accommodation reservations.
Follow Lijiang tourism accounts on WeChat or travel influencers for local updates and inspiration.
A comprehensive guidebook on China or Southwest China (e.g., Fodor's China, Lonely Planet China) often has sections on Lijiang and Yunnan.
Explore Kingdom of Women (Xinran), The Ancient Tea Horse Road (Jeff Fuchs), or Joseph F. Rock and the Last Shangri-La (Michael J. Aris) for cultural context.
Local Lijiang tourism brochures often share up-to-date information on events or new attractions.
Dial 110 for immediate police assistance.
Call 120 for ambulance or medical emergency services.
Contact 119 in case of fire.
In an emergency, dial the appropriate local authority number immediately. Remain calm and provide clear information.
Most hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, though public networks may be restricted.
Purchasing a local SIM card (with passport) offers consistent mobile data access.
Carry a power bank for your devices, especially during long days of exploration.
WeChat serves as the main communication app for connecting with locals and services.
Utilize built-in translation in WeChat or dedicated apps like Pleco for language barriers.
Some apps offer real-time voice translation for conversations.
Before travel, link your international credit cards to WeChat Pay and Alipay for widespread acceptance.
Download offline maps of Lijiang and surrounding areas on Baidu Maps or other apps for navigation without internet.
Begin familiarizing yourself with basic Mandarin phrases via apps like Babbel to enrich interactions.
Remember to download and test your VPN before arriving in China to maintain access to familiar online services like Google, Facebook, and Instagram.
